COVID-19 | 21,890 persons test positive in Kerala
The Hindu
Slight dip in daily cases in State due to fewer tests in weekend
For the sixth day in a row, Kerala reported over 20,000 new COVID-19 cases. When the results of 96,378 samples tested in 24 hours came in on Monday, 21,890 persons tested newly positive for the disease. The test positivity rate was 22.71%. The slight dip in cases is because of the weekend phenomenon, when the number of people who come forward for testing is fewer. It should in no way be mistaken that the epidemic curve could be showing signs of decline. The curve is still climbing and is not expected to relent before mid-May, unless the State adopts drastic measures like a lock-down. The active case pool of the State, which crossed two lakh on Sunday, has risen to 2,32,812 patients. Disease transmission is intense and uniformly rising across all districts, though the northern districts have a higher active case load now. At least five northern districts reported over 2,000 new cases each.Sitting MP and DMK ally IUML’s candidate K. Navas Kani registered a remarkable victory from Ramanathapuram Lok Sabha constituency on Tuesday. While Mr. Navas Kani polled 5,09,664 votes, O. Panneerselvam, Independent candidate supported by the BJP, bagged 3,42,882 votes, AIADMK candidate Jayaperumal secured 99,780 votes and Naam Tamilar Katchi candidate Dr. Chandra Prabha Jeyapaul bagged 97,672 votes. As many as 6,275 voters pressed NOTA button.
Hailed as the “hrudayavanta” (man with a kind heart), cardiologist C.N. Manjunath registered a resounding victory by beating the three-time MP, D.K. Suresh, and sending ripples across Bengaluru Rural seat, a bastion strongly controlled by Mr. Suresh and his brother Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.